Pharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesis and method of utilizing gastrodia elata extract or adenosine analog for promoting neurogenesis

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a composition and a method of utilizing Gastrodia elata extract or an adenosine analog to promote neurogenesis, wherein the G. elata extract includes gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins, N6-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The G. elata extract of the present invention exhibits anti-aging activity on nerve cells and can induce neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialwhich is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to any reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as itappears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patent files orrecords, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition and|a|[11] method of utilizing Gastrodia elata extract or an adenosineanalog to promote neurogenesis, wherein the G. elata extract includesgastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The G. elata extract of the presentinvention exhibits anti-aging activity on nerve cells and inducesneurogenesis in mouse hippocampus.

Description of Related Arts

Gastrodia elata Bl. (Tianma), the tubers of G. elata, is a perennialparasitic herb of |Orchidaceae|[12]. It is used clinically to treatheadache, dizziness, numbness, epilepsy and tetanus caused neurasthenia,vascular nerve headache and so on. Based on its clinical practice, thereare many researches exploring its functions in preventing neurologicaldamage. For example, gastrodin, a major compound in G. elata, was foundto alter the metabolism of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) in gerbilhippocampus (An, et al (2003)). Furthermore, an ether fraction ofmethanol extract of G. elata protected neuron against ischemia-inducedinjury in gerbils and also against kainic acid-induced neuronal damagein the mouse hippocampus (Kim, et al. (2001); Kim, et al. (2003)). Theether fraction of methanol extract of G. elata significantly reducedβ-amyloid-induced neuronal cell death. Hsieh et al. demonstrated thatadministration of G. elata extract not only significantly reduced thenumber of seizures, but also delayed the onset time in kainicacid-induced epileptic seizures in rats (Hsieh, et al (2001)). Theantiepileptic effect of G. elata was mediated by its regulating on freeradical scavenging activity (Hsieh, et al. (2000)). Further, amethanolic extract of G. elata prevented serum-deprived PC12 cellapoptosis through suppression of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activity(Huang, et al. (2004)).

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The main object of the present invention is to investigate the activeingredient or its composition of G. elata extract or adenosine analogsfor promoting neurogenesis.

The present invention provides the pharmaceutical composition includingG. elata extract or adenosine analog and further proves that the extractof G. elata or adenosine analog can promote neurogenesis.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition forpromoting neurogenesis, including: gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins,N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

In one embodiment, the parishins comprises parishin A, parishin B,parishin C or parishin E.

In one embodiment, a weight percentage of N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosineis 0.5-4%, a weight percentage of gastrodin is greater than 25%, and aweight percentage of parishins is greater than 50%.

The present invention further provides a method of utilizing G. elataextract for promoting neurogenesis, the G. elata extract comprisesgastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishin, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. In the present invention, the newborn neurons are brain neurons.

The present invention further provides a method of utilizing isolatedN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) or its pharmaceutical acceptedsalt for promoting neurogenesis. The new born neurons are hippocampalneurons.

Accordingly, the G. elata extract or N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) of the present invention exhibits anti-aging activity on nervecells and can induce neurogenesis in mouse hippocampus.

These and other objectives of the present invention will no doubt becomeobvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after reading thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiment that isillustrated in the various figures and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the chemical profile of the HPLC analysis of G. elataextract TM 1-2 of the pharmaceutical composition for promotingneurogenesis in the present invention. The numerals in FIG. 1 indicate:1: gastrodin; 2: p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol; 3: parishin E; 4:p-hydroxybenzyl aldehyde; 5: parishin B; 6: T1-11; 7: parishin C; 8:bis(4-hydroxybenzyl sulfone (T1-C); 9: parishin A.

FIG. 2A shows the effect of G. elata crude extract (TM1) of thepharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesis in the presentinvention on cellular senescence markers, β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal)activity, in SH-SY5Y cells. Data are mean±SEM from at least fourindependent experiments. Significant difference between control anddrug-treated cells is indicated by *p<0.05, **p<0.01, compare withcontrol.

FIG. 2B shows the effect of G. elata crude extract (TM1) of thepharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesis in the presentinvention on cellular senescence related molecules in SH-SY5Y cells.

FIG. 3A shows the effect of G. elata extracts, TM1-1 and TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention for promoting neurogenesis in the presentinvention on anti-aging activity in SH-SY5Y cells. Data are mean±SEMfrom at least four independent experiments. Significant differencebetween control and drug-treated cells is indicated by **p<0.01, comparewith control.

FIG. 3B shows the effect of G. elata extracts, TM1-1 and TM1-2 of thepharmaceutical composition in the present invention, on cellularsenescence related molecules, phospho-Rb, p16, p53, and p21, in SH-SY5Ycells.

FIG. 4A shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (T1-11), gastrodin (TG), other G. elata components (bis(4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide T1-C), and gastrodigenin (4-HBA) of thepharmaceutical composition in the present invention, on cellularsenescence markers, SA-β-gal activity, in SH-SY5Y cells. Data aremean±SEM from at least four independent experiments. Significantdifference between control and drug-treated cells is indicated by*p<0.05, **p<0.01, compare with control.

FIG. 4B shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (T1-11), gastrodin (TG), other G. elata components(bis(4-hydroxybenzyl) sulfide T1-C), and gastrodigenin (4-HBA) of thepharmaceutical composition in the present invention, on cellularsenescence related molecules, phospho-Rb, p16, p53, and p21, in SH-SY5Ycells.

FIG. 5A shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention on nesting. The nesting was performed aftertreatment. Group 1: Control; 2: D-galactose (200 mg/kg); 3: D-galactose(200 mg/kg)+Vit.E (100 mg/kg) (positive control); 4: D-galactose (200mg/kg)+TM1-2 (5 mg/kg); 5: D-galactose (200 mg/kg)+TM1-2 (20 mg/kg); 6:D-galactose (200 mg/kg)+TM1-2 (50 mg/kg); 7: D-galactose (200mg/kg)+T1-11(1 mg/kg); 8: D-galactose (200 mg/kg)+T1-11(10 mg/kg); 9:T1-11(10 mg/|kg|[13]). Data are mean±SEM (n=6). Significant differencebetween control and D-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by **p<0.01compared with the control group. Significant difference between the micetreated with D-gal alone and the mice treated with D-gal combined withTM1-2 or T1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 5B shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention on the weight of the remaining unbroken cottonin the nest. The nesting was performed after treatment. Groups 1-9 ofexperiments are respectively described in FIG. 5A. Data are mean±SEM(n=6). Significant difference between control and D-gal-induced agingmice is indicated by **p<0.01 compared with the control group.Significant difference between the mice treated with D-gal alone and themice treated with D-gal combined with TM1-2, Vit.E or T1-11 is indicatedby ^(##)p<0.01, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 6 shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on ameliorating burrowing behavior impaired inD-gal-induced aging mice. The tasks of burrowing were performed aftertreatment. Groups 1-9 of experiments are respectively described in FIG.5A. Data are mean±SEM (n=6). Significant difference between control andD-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by **p<0.01 compared with thecontrol group. Significant difference between the mice treated withD-gal alone and the mice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2or T1-11is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, ^(##)p<0.01, compared with D-galgroup.

FIG. 7A shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention on the escape latency time (sec) to reach thehidden platform during training |session|[14] in D-gal-induced agingmice. For behavioral study, N=6 mice per group were used. Morris watermaze was performed. Data shows the mean escape latency time (sec) toreach hidden platform during training session. Time spent in the targetquadrant (where the platform was located during the hidden platformtraining session) during the probe test. Groups 1-9 of experiments arerespectively described in FIG. 5A. Data are mean±SEM (n=6). Significantdifference between control and D-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by*p<0.05 compared with the control group. Significant difference betweenthe mice treated with D-gal alone and the mice treated with D-galcombined with Vit.E or TM1-2 or T1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05,^(##)p<0.01, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 7B shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on the number of platform crossings over theprevious platform place during the probe test in D-gal-induced agingmice. Groups 1-9 of experiments are respectively described as above.Data are mean±SEM (n=6). Significant difference between control andD-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by *p<0.05 compared with thecontrol group. Significant difference between the mice treated withD-gal alone and the mice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2or T1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 8A shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on the activity of catalase (CAT) in theserum, cortex, and hippocampus of D-gal-induced aging mice. Groups 1-9of experiments are respectively described in FIG. 5A. Data|[15] aremean±SD (n=6). Significant difference between control and D-gal-inducedaging mice is indicated by **p<0.01 compared with the control group.Significant difference between the mice treated with D-gal alone and themice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2 or T1-11 isindicated by ^(#)p<0.05, ^(##)p<0.01, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 8B shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD)in the serum, cortex, and hippocampus of D-gal-induced aging mice.Groups 1-9 of experiments are respectively described in FIG. 5A. Dataare mean±SD (n=6). Significant difference between control andD-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by **p<0.01 compared with thecontrol group. Significant difference between the mice treated withD-gal alone and the mice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2or T1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, ^(##)p<0.01 compared with D-galgroup.

FIG. 9 shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) in theserum, cortex, and hippocampus of D-gal-induced aging mice. Groups 1-9of experiments are respectively described in FIG. 5A. Data are mean±SD(n=6). Significant difference between control and D-gal-induced agingmice is indicated by *p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with the control group.Significant difference between the mice treated with D-gal alone and themice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2 or T1-11 isindicated by ^(#)p<0.05, ^(##)p<0.01, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 10A shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on the activity of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) in the serum, cortex, and hippocampus of D-gal-induced agingmice. Groups 1-9 of experiments are respectively described in FIG. 5A.Data|[16] are mean±SD (n=6). Significant difference between control andD-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by *p<0.05 compared with thecontrol group. Significant difference between the mice treated withD-gal alone and the mice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2or T1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 10B shows the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the pharmaceutical compositionin the present invention, on the activity of glucose-6-phosphatedehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD) in the serum, cortex, and hippocampus ofD-gal-induced aging mice. Groups 1-9 of experiments are respectivelydescribed in FIG. 5A. |Data|[17] are mean±SD (n=6). Significantdifference between control and D-gal-induced aging mice is indicated by*p<0.05, **p<0.01 compared with the control group. Significantdifference between the mice treated with D-gal alone and the micetreated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2 or T1-11 is indicated by^(#)p<0.05 compared with D-gal group.

FIG. 11A shows the immunostaining images of of the dentate gyms areaafter treating G. elata extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) of the pharmaceutical composition in the present invention andthe effect on neurogenesis markers 5-bromo-2′-deoxy uridine (BrdU)) anddoublecortin (DCX).

FIG. 11B shows the results of quantification of the immunostainingimages of FIG. 11A. The number/mm subgranular zone (SGZ) of BrdUpositive cells (BrdU⁺) and DCX positive cells (DCX+) are counted.Significant difference between the mice treated with D-gal alone*p<0.05; and the mice treated with D-gal combined with Vit.E or TM1-2 orT1-11 is indicated by ^(#)p<0.05, compared with D-gal group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The detailed description and technical contents of the present inventionwill now be described as follows:

The present invention is directed a pharmaceutical composition ofpromoting neurogenesis, including gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins,N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. Theparishins includes parishin A, parishin B, parishin C or parishin E. Inthe present invention, a weight percentage of N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine is 0.5-4%, a weight percentage of gastrodin is greater than25%, and a weight percentage of parishins is greater than 50%.

The present invention further provides a method of utilizing G. elataextract for promoting neurogenesis, the G. elata extract comprisesgastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde. In the present invention, the newborn neurons are brain neurons. In one embodiment, a weight percentageof N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine is 0.5-4%, a weight percentage ofgastrodin is greater than 25%, and a weight percentage of parishins isgreater than 50%.

The present invention further provides a method of utilizing isolatedN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) or its pharmaceutical acceptedsalts for promoting neurogenesis. The new born neurons are brainneurons.

EXAMPLE 1 Preparation of G. elata Extract

Commercially available cut pieces of G. elata tubers were extracted withan aqueous ethanol solution (70% ethanol, 50° C.) overnight. The crudeextract was concentrated under reduced pressure to obtain a crudeextract (TM1). The concentrated sample was dried and then introducedinto a macro-porous resin (DIAION HP20) column. TM1-1 was eluted byusing water from the column and TM1-2 was then eluted by using 50%ethanol.

EXAMPLE 2 High Performance Liquid Chromatography Analysis

The composition of TM1-2 obtained in Example 1 was then analyzed by ahigh-performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) (Waters 2695). The analysiscondition: Cosmosil 5C-18 AR-II, 4.6×250 mm column, UV 270 nm detector,a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, mobile phase A: 0.01% phosphoric acid; B:acetonitrile; analysis flow: 0-15 min, 95-88% A; 15-30 min, 88% A; 30-40min, 88-60% A. The results of the main components from HPLC analysis ofthe G. elata extract TM1-2 of the present invention are shown in FIG. 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, there are eight compounds appearing in HPLC result,respectively, gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishin E, parishin B, parishinC, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11), parishin A and4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, in which a weight percentage ofN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine is 0.5-4%, a weight percentage of theparishins (including parishin A, parishin B, parishin C, parishin E) isgreater than 50%, and a weight percentage of gastrodin is greater than25%.

EXAMPLE 3 Senescence Cell Culture

SH-SY5Y cells (purchased from Taiwan and Bioresource Collection andResearch Center (BCRC), 08C0066) was cultured in DMEM containing 10%fetal bovine serum, 100 U/ml penicillin and 100 μg/ml streptomycin in acarbon dioxide incubator. When SH-SY5Y cells were grown in a 100 mmculture dish to a fullness of 80%, subculture was carried out. Afterabout 20 subcultures, SH-SY5Y cells began to show signs of senescenceand show an increasing level of senescence-associated-β-galactosidase(SA-β-gal), significantly. Thus, the intracellular amount of SA-β-gal inthe test cells were used as an indicator of cell senescence. Thesesenescence cells were then used to perform the following aging-relatedcell experiments.

EXAMPLE 4 G. elata Crude Extract TM1, G. elata Extract TM1-2 and PureCompound N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) can Inhibit CellSenescence

The senescence SH-SY5Y cells in embodiment 3 were treated with the G.elata crude extract TM1, the G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) for 24 hours, then fixed with 4%formaldehyde, following by staining with SA-β-gal to evaluate the cellsenescence level. The results (shown in FIG. 2A) show the G. elata crudeextract TM1 can inhibit the production of intracellular SA-β-gal inSH-SY5Y cells, and exhibit significant concentration-dependent effect.Secondly, the G. elata extract TM1-2 (FIG. 3A) and purifiedN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) (FIG. 3A and FIG. 4A) can alsosignificantly reduce SA-β-gal in SH-SY5Y cells. Furthermore, themechanism of cell senescence is currently known to be driven by twoindependent pathways, p53-p21 pathway and p16-Rb pathway. Both p21 andp16 are cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKI), which prevent Rb frombeing phosphorylated so as to inhibit Rb. Consequently, the activity ofE2F transcription factors is inhibited and the cell cycle is thereforeblocked. p53, p63 and p73 can directly induce the activation of p21protein, leading to arrest in cell cycle and cellular senescence. Theresults of the present invention show that inhibition of p53, p16, p21protein expression by G. elata extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (T1-11) can effectively postpone cell senescence (FIG. 2B,FIG. 3B, FIG. 4B).

EXAMPLE 5 Evaluation of Behavior Pattern in Galactose Animal Model withG. elata Extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-Hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11)

In this embodiment, the effect of G. elata extract TM1-2 and purifiedN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) were tested on the behavior ofgalactose-induced senescence animal model.

A total of nine groups with 6 each animal experiments were conducted.The animals in groups 1-9 were: 1: blank control group, 2: D-galactose(0.3 g/kg), 3: D-galactose (0.3 g/kg)+vitamin E (100 mg/kg), 4:D-galactose (0.3 g/kg)+TM1-2 low dose (5 mg/kg), 5: D-galactose (0.3 gkg)+TM1-2 mid-dose group (20 mg/kg), 6: D-galactose (0.3 g/kg)+TM1-2high dose group (50 mg/kg), 7: D-galactose (0.3 g/kg)+T1-11 low dosegroup (1 mg/Kg), 8: D-galactose (0.3 g/kg)+T1-11 high dose group (10mg/kg), 9: T1-11 (10 mg/kg). D-galactose was treated by subcutaneousinjection (0.3 g/kg body weight), and G. elata extract TM1-2, T1-11 andvitamin E were orally administrated (oral gavage). The test substanceswere treated once a day, continuing for 6 weeks. When administering, inaddition to the blank control group, each group was continued to treatwith 0.3 g/kg (body weight) D-galactose subcutaneously injected via backneck, and the blank control group was subcutaneously injected withphysiological saline. The vitamin E group was used as a positive controlgroup.

The results showed that both G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) can effectively ameliorate theanimal cognitive behavioral deficit of D-galactose-induced aging mice,including the construction of nests and burrowing. Since the aging miceare gradually losing these behavioral characteristics, these behavioralpatterns can be used to evaluate the degree of aging.

In the Nesting Test (Deacon R (2012), Deacon R M (2006)), mice weregiven nesting materials, and they made nests in the corners of the cageand stayed in the nest. By using the nature of mouse nesting, nestcotton swabs were given, the scores of completing nesting werecalculated, and the weight of the remaining unbroken cotton was weighedto assess the degree of mouse aging (FIGS. 5A and 5B).

In addition, since burrowing is normally spontaneous in mice, theburrowing test (Deacon R (2012)) was used to detect the degree ofdeterioration of burrowing behavior in mice (FIG. 6).

Furthermore, the memory learning ability of mice was evaluated using theMorris water maze test (Vorhees C V, et al. (2006)) (FIG. 7A and FIG.7B).

As shown by the experimental results, G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) can ameliorate cognitivebehavioral deficit in D-galactose-induced aging in mice, and with thehigher dose of G. elata extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) have the better improvement.

EXAMPLE 6 G. elata extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) reduce oxidative damage in blood and brain tissue ofD-galactose-treated animals

After observing their behavior, the animals are intraperitoneallyinjected with 50 mg/g 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) continuously forone week. Then the animals were sacrificed to take their brain tissueand blood. The brain tissue was frozen, and a part of the tissue wasused for the experiment of the present example, and the rest wassectioned for the experiment in Example 7. The blood was centrifuged toobtain serum for the following experiment.

Since aging is closely related to oxidative damage, the presentembodiment further uses commercially available kit (provided by Cayman)for analyzing the activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase(CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), lipid peroxide, glutathioneperoxidase (GSH-Px) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in theexperimental animal blood and brain tissue.

It is demonstrated by the experimental results that G. elata extractTM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) significantly repairedthe reduced activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) inserum, cortex and hippocampus and other brain tissue in thegalactose-induced animals (FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B), as well as lipidperoxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA) (FIG. 9). Among them, groups 1-9 ofthe experiments were described in Example 5, respectively.

In addition, G. elata extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) are also effectively reversed the level of glutathioneperoxidation (GSH-Px) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)reduced by galactose (FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B). Among them, groups 1-9 ofthe experiments were described in Example 5, respectively.

EXAMPLE 7 G. elata Extract TM1-2 and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine(T1-11) Promote Neurogenesis in the Hippocampus of D-galactose-InducedMice

After observing the behavior, the animals of Example 6 areintraperitoneally injected with 50 mg/g 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)continuously for a week. Then the animals were sacrificed and a part ofthe brain tissue is frozen and sectioned. The sections wereimmunohistochemically stained by first reacting with the first antibody,doublecortin (DCX) (purchased from Abcam) and then with afluorescence-labeled secondary antibody (purchased from Jackson LabsTechnologies, Inc). Thereafter, the sections were observed andphotographed by a confocal microscope. Results showed thatadministrating G. elata extract (TM1-2) and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (T1-11) can ameliorate the reduced expression of BrdU and DCXin the hippocampus of D-galactose-induced mice (FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B).

The D-galactose-induced aging mice showed a significant decrease in BrdUand DCX-expressing cells in the hippocampus of the brain. This result isconsistent with the Morris water maze test results in the previousExample 5, suggesting that galactose-induced aging mice lose the memorylearning ability, while taking G. elata extract TM1-2 andN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) can ameliorate the agingphenomenon.

In light of the above experiments, the G. elata extract TM1-2 andpurified N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) of the present inventioncan achieve the effect: (1) significant reducing the production ofSA-β-gal which is corresponding to cellular senescence; (2) effectivelyimproving the cognitive behavioral deficit caused by D-galactose-inducedaging (nesting, burrowing and memory), wherein the improvement is in adose-dependent manner; (3) significantly improving the reducedactivities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and G6PD, and decreasing levels of lipidperoxide in blood and brain tissues of D-galactose-induced aginganimals; and (4) ameliorating the D-galactose-induced BrdU and DCX cellsdecrease in the hippocampus. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositioncontaining the G. elata extract (TM1-2) and N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl)adenosine (T1-11) provided by the present invention may be effective inpromoting neurogenesis, thereby ameliorate the aging phenomenon.

Those skilled in the art will readily observe that numerousmodifications and alterations of the device and method may be made whileretaining the teachings of the invention. Accordingly, the abovedisclosure should be construed as limited only by the metes and boundsof the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pharmaceutical composition for promotingneurogenesis, comprising: gastrodin, gastrodigenin, parishins,N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) and 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.
 2. Thepharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesis according to claim1, wherein the parishins comprises parishin A, parishin B, parishin C orparishin E.
 3. The pharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesisaccording to claim 1, wherein a weight percentage ofN⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine is 0.5-4%.
 4. The pharmaceuticalcomposition for promoting neurogenesis according to claim 1, wherein aweight percentage of gastrodin is greater than 25%.
 5. Thepharmaceutical composition for promoting neurogenesis according to claim1, wherein a weight percentage of parishins is greater than 50%.
 6. Amethod of utilizing Gastrodia elata extract for promoting neurogenesis,wherein the G. elata extract comprises gastrodin, gastrodigenin,parishin, N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) and4-hydroxybenzaldehyde.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein newborn neurons are brain neurons.
 8. The method according to claim 6,wherein a weight percentage of N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine is 0.5-4%,a weight percentage of gastrodin is greater than 25%, and a weightpercentage of parishins is greater than 50%.
 9. A method of utilizingisolated N⁶-(4-hydroxybenzyl) adenosine (T1-11) or its pharmaceuticalaccepted salts for promoting neurogenesis.
 10. The method according toclaim 9, wherein new born neurons are brain neurons.